As most members of Richmond Motor Club, and those of other clubs, will be aware, on Tuesday 30th July Swaledale and Arkengarthdale were hit by flash flooding, causing destruction and utter devastation within the local communities. Homes and businesses have been destroyed, pets, livestock and stores of winter feed have been swept away. Among those affected are a number of landowners who kindly let our club use their land to hold the trials we all love; most notably The Scott Trial, Reeth Three Day and The Mintex, as well as a number of closed to club trials. This area truly is the capital of trials.

The support shown to this area over the past week has been truly overwhelming, be it financial or manpower. As a club we want to do our part in helping the landowners and community as a whole to get back on their feet as quickly as possible. As well as organising some volunteer days over the forthcoming weeks, to assist landowners in the clearing of land, rebuilding of walls etc. we would like to pledge some financial assistance to give support to those in the community who may need it .

It has been agreed that Richmond Motor Club will pledge £7,500 from club funds to local charitable organisations to help those affected by the devastating flooding and to Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team, whose rescue services at the height of the floods and ongoing support has proved invaluable to the community. We are calling on members of our club and other Motor Clubs, who gain so much enjoyment from this area in our sport, to help raise this donation to £10,000.

All monies from this fund, along with the donation from Richmond Motor Club, will be passed over to independent charitable funds who will distribute them to the areas where it is most needed. Richmond Motor club are liaising with the local parish/district council and the NFU to ensure that funds go directly into the communities affected.

Thank you for you kind contribution to the fund.